POLARIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AS AN OUTCOME OF SECTARIAN CONFLICT IN GILGIT BALTISTAN

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the institutional polarization in educational sector caused by sectarian conflicts and to explain the divided sectarian fabrics in Gilgit Baltistan. Quantitative method has been used. Data has been collected through two separate structured questionnaires from faculty and students from schools, colleges and university. All the three sects in Gilgit have private separate educational institutions found significant with sectarian conflict (P-V=.000). Moreover, Parents do not prefer to send their children to schools owned by other than their sects, also tested and found significant with sectarian conflict (P=.000<0.05). Additionally, Sectarian based educational institutions will further increase the gaps among all sects. Chi-Square test applied and found significant (P=.005<0.05). Private educational institutions have maintained their sectarian identity has been proved with sectarian conflict having a P-value of (P=0.001<0.05). The divisions are based on the creed of students and staff favor those belong to their sect in educational institutions of Gilgit city has a very strong association with sectarian conflict proved and the P-value is (P=0.001<0.05). A curriculum and plural system should be developed to minimize the negative effects of sectarian conflict in the region. Keywords: Sectarian conflicts, Educational institutions, Polarization, youth, Gilgit-Baltistan.